As our Rose journey continues we leave behind the intrepid adventurers and plant hunters and step forward into the world of modern Rose breeding which really got in to gear with the Hybrid Perpetual Group. Hybrid Perpetual Roses evolved from deliberate crosses between Noisettes, Boubons, Portlands and Hybrid Chinas in an attempt to extend the flowering period of roses beyond summer. Hybrid Perpetuals dominated between 1840 and 1900 and in this frantic period of rose breeding it is estimated 800 plus "new" Hybrid Perpetual roses were introduced. Many have French names which, indicates that the French Rose Breeders were still highly active, in the world of horticulture that is. This period in history also saw the rise in popularity of exhibiting blooms as cut flowers at competitive Rose Shows (the War of the Roses), many roses being bred just for this purpose. In general, this group develop into large plants with large blooms that carry a powerful fragrance. Paul Neyron, Ferdinand Pichard and La Reine are typical of the form.

Characteristics of Hybrid Perpetual Roses - Tall and Upright in Habit - Large blooms that are often cupped and quartered - Colour range white, pink, crimson, maroon and striped - Fragrant - Recurrent i.e. flower more than once a season - Pruned after flowering

READ LESS